Say it with me: 'I am worth more than my productivity.'

You might be asking why. Bear with me.

People come for coaching and decluttering services because there's something they want to do, have, or get done - there's something that needs sorting out. They don't always know what or how, but they've taken the first step toward getting there. Which is fantastic!

You probably already have an action or to-do list, too. Maybe several. Maybe more. You feel good when you tick something off, and bad when things start to build up. Thought patterns can start to build-up then, too.

Society supports this, pushes it, as a notion. Social media leads us to believe we're the only one not living some perfect high-life, the only one not achieving everything all at once. Productivity is good > therefore you are good if you are productive. Be more (and more) productive, be worth more. But your value isn't intrinsically linked to how much you get done. In fact, it's not linked at all.

A good way to fight this personally, day-to-day, is to shift the meaning of the word 'productive.'

Have you ever said 'I had a really unproductive day' - but you're smiling and thinking of what a great time you've had? Sometimes, you're raring to go, but have a cold, or, after a day with your family, don't have the wherewithal to do the dishes. So, rest instead.

Of course, coaching and decluttering are about taking action and making space.

But you can't do anything if you're burnt out, and it's really not worth playing fast and loose with your health where you can avoid it. Micro-actions are still actions, they still move you forward. Guilt and shame hold you back and keep you down.

Really, this is all semantics. The point to take to heart is that looking after yourself is a productive thing to do. The most productive thing you can do, actually. Mentally, physically, emotionally.

So go on, squeeze something productive in today - whether it's cleaning a cupboard or taking a nap.